Veteran actress Atiqa Odho has suggested that Pakistani dramas featuring bold, horror, or mature themes should be shifted from the 8 pm slot to a later time, preferably 10 pm, to ensure they are only viewed by adult audiences.
Speaking during a show on a private TV channel, Odho joined fellow actresses Nadia Khan and Marina Khan in commenting on the growing trend of bold content in Pakistani dramas.
Nadia Khan pointed out that many dramas aired at 8 pm include inappropriate dialogues and scenes unsuitable for children and teenagers. She stressed that young audiences should not be exposed to such material at a time when families usually watch television together.
Odho agreed with the observation and said dramas designed for adults should not be slotted during prime time.
She highlighted recently concluded dramas such as Dhain and Sher, noting that their content was filled with bold themes, dangerous sequences, and strong language inappropriate for minors.
“These dramas are made for adults, not children,” Odho emphasized, adding that broadcasting them earlier in the evening risks exposing young viewers to unsuitable material.
Prime time vs. late night scheduling
Traditionally, Pakistani television dramas air between 7 pm and 9 pm—slots considered the most valuable and widely viewed.
However, with bolder themes becoming common, critics and industry veterans are questioning whether the content is suitable for prime-time family viewing.
Odho suggested that dramas carrying mature or sensitive subjects be scheduled at 10 pm or later. This, she argued, would allow networks to balance creative freedom with social responsibility.
